As your advocate, HCAF contacted the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) earlier today to inquire about Florida’s HCBS Funding Opportunity for Provider Stipend and Retention Payments, specifically the distribution process and timeline. We obtained key details from the state's response to our questions thanks to our contract lobbyist, Jimmy Card of Continental Strategy.

What is the expected time frame for the funds to be received by the plans? AHCA has begun processing payment batches to the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care health plans. Plans will receive the first round of payments next Thursday, July 14, 2022.

Upon receiving funds, how long do plans have to pay providers? Plans will have 30 days to pay providers.

Will providers that contract with multiple plans receive multiple payments? No, the providers will receive one payment from one plan. Payments will be made by either Sunshine Health, Florida Community Care, or Humana.

How will providers receive payment from the plans? (e.g., check, ACH) Providers should receive payment from the plans in the same manner that they receive claims payments from them now. 

Will providers get additional time to spend the funds given the delayed distribution and that the federal government is granting states the option of extending the spending deadline an additional year? The State of Florida has set June 30, 2023, as the date by which providers must spend accepted funds. Florida’s HCBS Funding Opportunity for Provider Stipend and Retention Payments will be a one-time disbursement.

HCAF's policy team will address this matter and other policy issues in an upcoming meeting with AHCA leadership. Regarding the HCBS funding opportunity, we intend to emphasize that AHCA's oversight over managed care health plans is crucial to ensuring that providers receive funds as quickly as possible.

As we continue to closely monitor the state's distribution efforts, we would appreciate it if you would let us know when you receive these funds.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at (850) 222-8967 or send us a message.

Thank you for supporting HCAF!